Ron Burgundy Will Return in Anchorman 2!

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steven Carell and director Adam McKay are all on board for the sequel we actually want to see.

"I have an announcement. I want to announce to everyone here in the Americas, to our friends in Spain, Turkey and the U.K. – including England – that as of 0-900 Mountain Time, Paramount pictures and myself, Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy, have come to terms on a sequel to Anchorman."

Those were the words spoken by Will Ferrell on "Conan" this evening, as Will Ferrell, in character as San Diego's greatest news personality, made a surprise appearance to play some jazz flute and officially announce the sequel to 2004's Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

It's a dream come true for Anchorman fans, and also Will Ferrell fans, who haven't seen a truly great comedy come out of the popular comedian since, arguably, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (although Stepbrothers and Talladega Nights certainly have their fans as well). In a follow-up report, Deadline has confirmed that Ferrell will be rejoined by his original co-stars Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, as well as the film's original director, Adam McKay. No word yet on David Koechner or Christina Applegate, although we imagine they're being sought, at the very least, to appear the followup.

As for the direction the sequel will take, Deadline's insider says they're still "kicking around ideas," since for years now they weren't sure if Paramount would ever green light the film, citing financial concerns. The original Anchorman cost $26 million to produce, and grossed a respectable but hardly blockbuster $90 million internationally at the box office. That said, the film's taken on a life of its own on home video, so the sequel will probably see a boost in audience interest. The same thing happened with the Austin Powers movies, if you'll recall: the first film grossed a paltry $67 million worldwide, but fans discovered it on home video and shelled out $312 million to see the sequel (which almost as much on its opening weekend as the first film did in its entire theatrical run).

Can Anchorman pull the same trick? At least now we'll get to find out. This might end up being a "careful what you wish for moment," of course. Who's to say if they can capture lightning in a bottle twice?

CraveOnline will be back with more Anchorman 2 news after we love lamp.